LUCKNOW, Feb. 15 -- The Uttar Pradesh public works department (UPPWD) has sought suggestions from stakeholders and experts to curb the growing practice of contractors quoting abnormally low rates to secure government projects, a trend officials say is affecting quality and timely completion of works. Highlighting the concern, head of department and engineer-in-chief (development) Ashok Kumar Dwivedi said that intense competition has led some contractors to deliberately bid far below estimated project costs. "Such practices result in delays, disputes, litigation and other complications. It becomes difficult to complete work on time and maintain quality standards in such cases," he said. The department has prepared a detailed concept note aimed at resolving issues arising from tenders awarded at extremely low rates, which impact quality, timeliness and adherence to contractual obligations. Dwivedi invited suggestions from the public. Inputs can be emailed to hqpwdconceptnote@gmail.com by the end of February. "Based on the suggestions, an effective and practical mechanism will be developed to further strengthen the quality, transparency and timeliness of departmental work," he said. Among the proposed measures is the imposition of higher performance security for works costing less than Rs.5 crore if the quoted bid is substantially lower than the estimated cost. Additionally, in cases where bids are more than 15% below the estimated rate, a project already under construction and awarded at the lowest rate may be selected for scrutiny. The department has also proposed that the quality of works awarded at unusually low rates be inspected by a superintending engineer or executive engineer from another circle , nominated by the chief engineer of the concerned region. If substandard work is detected, the contractor may be debarred for two years after issuance of a show-cause notice, as per rules....